Is it okay if the inciting incident is a coincidence?
Question: Can what sets everything in motion (on the first page) be something that 'just happened', or will that disappoint readers?
Thanks!
Answer: Yes. A coincidence that draws the main character into the plot is a device often used in fiction, particularly if your main character is an unlikely hero.
Unlikely heroes (or heroines) are characters who are ordinary people with no extraordinary training or talents who find themselves caught up in extraordinary events, often just because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
A few examples...
A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Arthur Dent, an ordinary guy gets caught up in a journey across space and time when his best friend turns out to be an alien.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: a group of children are sent out of London during WWII and just happen to be billeted in a house with a magic wardrobe that leads to a magical kingdom.
The film Dave: ordinary guy happens to look so much like the President of the Unites States that he is hired to stand in for him and ends up becoming the President.
The film Notting Hill: the most famous actress in the world just happens to walk into a book shop and changes the life of the owner forever.
These coincidences don't just happen in science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, or other books involving extraordinary events. Any story can begin with a coincidence and ring true because in real life coincidences happen all the time that lead people in unexpected directions.
You happen to meet someone at a party. You stumble across some information. Your school hires a guest speaker. You read an article in the dentist's office. New neighbours move in next door. These little events can change everything.
Of course, what works for an inciting incident doesn't work so well at the climax. Readers want to see how a character's choices determine the outcome. They want to see what the character does with the opportunities and challenges that come his way.
Comments for Is it okay if the inciting incident is a coincidence?
|
||
|
||
|
||
- Home
- Writing Questions
- Is it okay if the inciting incident is a coincidence?
Search this site...
|
||
| site search by freefind |
100% Human Generated Content!
All
articles on this website were written by a human being -- one possessed of flaws and limitations, but also with a personal perspective and a desire to help fellow
writers. No article on this site was written by or with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI).
Popular Articles
Mini-Course
Never be stuck for a great story idea again! This online mini-course will show you how to create simple ideas for original characters and build a plot around each character that contains the essential elements needed for a compelling story.
Recent Postings
-
Writing thoughts and diary entries.
Question: This is my first time trying to write, I constantly imagine fictional scenarios, so I decided to write a novel with them, but in my idea, we -
Synopsis Format
Question: Hello! Thank you for answering my question about how many characters to add in a synopsis! I should have included this question with my last -
How many characters to include in a synopsis
Question: Hello! I'm new to your site, and I love it! I didn't see a question and answer page for synopsis writing, so I wasn't sure where to post this
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero